ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, Md. (WBFF) — Thieves are breaking into vehicles across Anne Arundel County and stealing airbags, with police warning Tuesday that Honda drivers in particular should be on alert.
Anne Arundel County Police said the thefts have been reported in about three different neighborhoods over the past few nights, including seven cars hit in one night along Piney Orchard Parkway in Odenton. Investigators also documented damage on Harvest Run Drive outside a row of condos and apartments.
Marc Limansky, a spokesman for Anne Arundel County Police, said the thefts happen fast.
“They’re smashing the driver’s side window or one of the windows of the vehicle, prying the steering wheel, getting the airbags out, and fleeing with the airbag. They do it very quickly,” Limansky said.
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Alicia Jeter, who lives in the area, said she was awakened overnight Labor Day when suspected thieves broke into her neighbor’s car.
“I heard the alarms go off, so I flashed the alarm for my car,” Jeter said.
She said she then heard more activity outside.
“I heard another car door slam and I heard people talking and then they were gone. But, I didn’t know what happened until the next morning when I came outside and I saw the police,” Jeter added.
Jeter said she initially didn’t suspect a crime.
“Well, I assumed it was neighbors, I did not think it was what it ended up being,” she said.
Police have not released suspect information and said the people responsible remain at large.
Limansky said investigators believe the airbags are being resold.
“The only thing that we could surmise is that there is some value to them. They’re selling them off market and, you know, our detectives are having a time trying to coordinate between different agencies,” Limansky said.
This is not just an Anne Arundel County problem. It’s all over the region.”
Police said thefts have been reported in Glen Burnie and Crofton, with mostly Honda vehicles targeted. Investigators also said Harford County has been hit.
Patrick Evans, a FOX45 News photographer, said his Honda CRV was hit by thieves in Belcamp overnight last Friday. He said the theft left him unable to drive his vehicle.
“I almost wish they would have stolen my personal property, so I wouldn’t have to like deal with getting a new airbag. I mean it’s crazy to say, but it’s like, I can’t drive my car if I had a broken window. You know, and they stole my tools in my back, in the back seat. I could drive my car around and then only, you know, have damages for the window in the car, but I can’t drive my car,” Evans said.
Neighbors described frustration and concern about the break-ins.
“It’s terrible. We work hard and they’re just out stealing,” Patsy Knight, a neighbor, said.
Neighbor Cato Jackson said the thefts underscore the risks of trying to stop criminals.
“I mean, everything has a price, right? So I mean I wouldn’t even know how to do it. In my luck, I’d be the one trying to take it out and it’d explode on me,” he said.
Police encouraged residents to take precautions, including parking in a well-lit, visible location if a garage is not available. Police also said all Anne Arundel County residents can pick up a free steering-wheel lock anti-theft device at any police district station.
Follow FOX45 reporter Keith Daniels on X and Facebook. Send tips to Kdaniels@sbgtv.com.
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